A-Level in History

A Level History encourages students to question and interpret different accounts of historical events and justify their own point of view. This subject also helps to develop the ability to read critically, evaluate evidence, write persuasively and sustain an argument. This subject is for those who enjoy reading, problem solving and discussion.

Students who study A Level History at Ashby School focus on the following periods:

• Breadth Study: Unit 1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975
• A Depth Study: 2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

In Year 13 students will also have the opportunity to complete an NEA (Non-Examined Assessment), which is a piece of coursework analysing change and continuity over a 100 year period. This will be undertaken towards the end of Year 12 and focuses on British social and political history c 1890s-1990s.

• Component 1: Unit 1K The Making of a Superpower: the USA 1865-1970s, Examination 40%
• Component 2: Unit 2B The Wars of the Roses 1450-1499,  Examination 40%
• Component 3: Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) on British History c1897-1997 20%

For all Sixth Form courses, students must have five GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grades 9- 4, which must include Mathematics and English Language/Literature at a Grade 4 or above. Students also require a Grade 4 in History (if taken).

Students can take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses. This could lead to a degree in History or related subjects such as Archaeology, American Studies, English, Law, Politics, Sociology or more general degree courses.

With further training, History provides an excellent foundation for careers in Archaeology and Conservation, Business, Education, Law, Politics and the Media.

As the respected ‘Which?’ consumer guide commented in ‘Which Subject? Which Career?’:

"Historians are regarded as having an education that trains their minds to assemble, organise and present fact and opinion and this is a very useful quality in many walks of life and careers … History is an excellent preparation for very many jobs and careers."

A History A Level is a valuable qualification, highly regarded by university admissions tutors and employers. It provides an excellent foundation for careers as diverse as Architecture, Broadcasting, Business, Conservation, Education, Law, Management and the Media.